Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Hampton, VA - Dr. Robert M. Dixon was recently appointed Dean of the Hampton University School of Science.

Dixon’s most recent appointment was provost and vice president for academic affairs at Grambling State University. He has also served in administrative and faculty positions at Morehouse College, Bishop College, Southern College of Technology, Atlanta University and Morgan State University.

“Dr. Dixon is a seasoned administrator and we are confident that he will expand upon the great research and outstanding academic programs in the School of Science,” said HU Provost Dr. Pamela V. Hammond.

Dixon’s area of expertise is nuclear physics and he would like to see the program, along with all other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas, continue to thrive and grow at HU. He would also like to increase student enrollment in all STEM fields as well as involve faculty in more contract research and grant-supported research.

“I hope to see the school maximize and utilize our potential in all STEM fields,” stated Dixon. “We have the resources needed to attract and recruit more students to all programs and produce more graduates.”

In 1998 and 1999 Dixon was a consultant to the HU Center for Nuclear and High Energy Physics and served on its advisory board for 7 years. He came to the university for his first teaching assignment as a Woodrow Wilson Teaching Intern.

“I am no stranger to Hampton,” stated Dixon. “I have always been a supporter of the university and for years have referred students and faculty to Hampton.”

Dixon received his bachelor of science degree in physics and mathematics from Morehouse College, a Masters of Science degree in nuclear physics from Rutgers University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in theoretical nuclear physics from the University of Maryland.

Monday, February 15, 2010

ONE Panel Forum at HU to Discuss Global Poverty

Date:Wednesday, Feb. 17

Time:6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Location: McGrew Towers, Hampton University

The Hampton University chapter of the NAACP will join with U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, President of Physicians for Peace Gen. Ron Sconyers, and members of the global anti-poverty organization ONE to discuss the U.S.'s impact in the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease around the world. The forum will take place Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. in HU's McGrew Towers. The event is free and open to the public.

The discussion will focus on the impact of America's development efforts in the poorest countries around the world, the connection between U.S. global anti-poverty initiatives and U.S. security, the ongoing response to last month’s earthquake in Haiti, and why smart development efforts will play an increasingly important part of America’s foreign policy in the years ahead. Shonda Buchanan, assistant professor of English at HU, will serve as panel moderator.

President Barack Obama to Deliver Commencement Address at Hampton University

President Barack Obama

Hampton University is pleased to announce that President Barack Obama will serve as the University's 140th commencement speaker on May 9, 2010.

"We are honored that President Obama has accepted Hampton's invitation to speak to our 2010 graduates during our commencement exercises," said HU President William R. Harvey. "His commitment to leadership, education and service is parallel to Hampton's mission from our beginning in 1868. He is an inspiration for our students to make the world a better place by becoming the very best leaders, educators, doctors, lawyers, financial analysts and scientists that they can be." More details will be announced at a later date.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Hampton University will host the 32nd Annual Conference on the Black Family on March 17-19. The theme for this year’s conference is “The Holistic Black Family: Mind, Body and Spirit” and will feature discussions on African American families in the areas of education, health and physical fitness and spirituality. The College of Education and Continuing Studies will sponsor the event.

On March 17, the conference begins with “Let the Man Speak” Preconference Workshop at 9 a.m. – noon. This preconference workshop will explore this issue and will provide participants with specific strategies for empowering young African American males to achieve maximal success in school.

That evening, the conference formally launches with the Opening Ceremony at 7 p.m. in Ogden Hall. The keynote speaker for the event will be Dr. Calvin Mackie, an award-winning mentor, an internationally renowned motivational speaker and a successful entrepreneur. The event is free and open to the public.

The conference continues March 18 with a focus on children, featuring a STEM-Tastic Youth Summit. In conjunction with area partners such as NASA and the Virginia Air and Space Museum, the STEM-Tastic Youth Summit will feature hands-on workshops for area youth centered on the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

“The conference will be an educational health & wellness event for the entire family. We want to connect people who are interested in making a positive difference in their own lives and in their communities,” said dean Dr. Cassandra Herring.

On March 18-19, adult participants will attend concurrent sessions on spiritual reconciliation, global leadership and social entrepreneurship, and healthy marriages. The conference will culminate in a luncheon called “Big Mama: A Salute to Grandmothers Luncheon.” Tickets for the luncheon are $30.

The registration fee for the conference is $55 for adults, $25 for mature adults age 55 and older, $10 for non-HU students, and free for HU students, faculty and staff.

For more information or to register to attend, call (757) 637-2036 or (757) 727-5584.